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View from Sung Sot Big Cave. Look hard enough and you'll see Bo
Nau Cave at the far end in the middle. It will take 3 hours to get here
from Bai Chay on a motorized boat. This shot was taken in January
and as evident in the picture, skies are often overcast during the winter months. Before going
to Halong, ask hotel clerk to call and check the weather. If it is bad, you will not be able to
go out to the bay and you might as well skip the trip because there isn't much to see or to
do on Bai Chay and Hon Gai in the winter. On the other hand, there are few tourists and
hotels and boats are plentiful.
Bai Chay in the summer, 6 AM. A local told us that this short strip of
sand is not a natural beach. Sand was put there a while back for the
vacationers staying in the numerous hotels lining the beach. Locals go
the beach real early and they are allgone by 7:30AM. Water is warm
and very clear in the summer. Very popular with city dwellers from Hanoi and Hai Phong
who often come on bus tours sponsored by their company.
Rocky end of Bai Chay. On a clear day, the view from Bai Chay is just
awesome, with the limestones formations surrounding the bay. Here, a
fisherman is checking his catch. Fresh seafood is excellent in restaurants
on Bai Chay but not cheap. There are many restaurants on the strip, however, the smaller
3 or 4 tables establishments out number the traditional larger places. Quan Hai ly run by
the owner and cook, located next to the Post office hotel serve a very delicious steam squid
with sauté onion and pepper dipping sauce and the owner's signature rau muong sao with rau
ngo, a vegetable. These dishes are quite unique and are the among the best samples of local
cuisine. The owner also have a brother who own a passenger boat to take tourists out to
the bay.
Rare glimpse of the disappearing fishing "junk" boat. They have been all
converted to motorized boats to satisfy the growing demand of the tourist
trade. To get on one of these boats to explore the bay, best is to go the
dock and talk directly with theboat owner. He normally only gets half
of what you would have to pay to middlemen, usually your hotel front desk or your driver.
Postcard scan of a galactite inside Dau Go Grotto.
View from inside Bo Nau cave, probably the most photographed location in
Ha Long bay. Used to be free, now they charge just for stopping by and take
a look! Worst part is the collection desk, which they put right in the middle,
making taking a shot with a clear view impossible. This picture was taken in 1992,
government started charging money in 1994.
View from inside Sung Sot cave. Allow time for a moderately steep climb for
about 10 minutes. According to our guide, the top can be reached with another
2 hours of climbing. Breathtaking view, a must see, and it is hopefully still free.
You can get here through a slippery passage in the back of Sung Sot cave.
These are Trinh Nu islets.
Postcard scan of Poem Mountain overlooking Hon Gai City, a bustling seaport.
One of the 2 ways to get to Ha Long Bay is to take a boat from Hai Phong to
Hon Gai; the other is to drive from Hanoi, going through Hai Duong, then
Hai Phong, then Bai Chay.
Postcard scan of Rice Ball Rock (Hon Oan), one of the many interesting rock
formations that your boat will pass by during the daytrip to see the caves.
Leave early in the morning and allow at least 6 hours for the trip. Buy bread
and beer before going to the dock. Merchants with lived fishes, shrimps, crabs
and squids will approach your boat. Your lunch will be a quick but delicious meal of seafood
steamed in beer. Boat captain usually provides pot, salt, pepper and lime.

                                                                                                              Source: www.vietscape.com

Ha Long Bay

Tuan Chau island or Sentinel Chau Island is 3 km west of Dau Go cave. The island is approximately 3 km2. This island is inhabited by people. The nurturing hands of humans have turned this island into a fertile farm producing vegetables and fruits for the outlying mining and fishing villages of Ha Long Bay.

According to the inhabitants, Tuan Chau is a derivative of two words. Before the revolutionary war, each island was under the surveillance of an officer. Each was in charge of a group of sentinels assigned to keep security for one island in the bay. There were several of such officers assigned to Ha Long. The Vietnamese words, linh tuan means sentinel(s) and tri Chau means mandarin (officer) Chau, hence the combination of the two words means Tuan Chau or Sentinel Chau.

There is a bamboo hut on the island that has became a shrine, since it was rumored that this place was favored by Ho Chi Minh when he visited Ha Long. The hut is maintained and kept by the people of the island. Today visitors to the island can visit the hut as if it was a historical monument.

Poem Mountain stands over the city of Hon Gai. On his visit to Ha Long, King Le Thanh Tong (15th century) wrote a poem glorifying Ha Long's beauty. This poem is carved on a stele on Nui Truyen Dang which was later renamed Nui Bai Tho or Poem Mountain. The King was a poet and the person responsible for forming the group of intellectuals, Tao Dan Nhi Thap Bat Tu, or Tao Dan twenty-eight scholars.

Cua Ong Temple is located on a hill over looking Bai Tu Long Bay. The temple was built as a shrine to mandarin Tran Quoc Tang, the son of Vietnams most famous general Tran Hung Dao.

In 1283, during the height of the war against Mongolia, Tran Quoc Tang was sent here to build a fort to defend this frontier. This area was known for its rough and less than ideal conditions. Tran Quoc Tang created a government here and turned the area into a prosperous place. Tran Quoc Tang was made supreme commander and became one of Vietnams most successful general. During this period, there were many bands of outlaws and pirates harassing the people in this region. General Tang successfully wiped out many of these bandits and brought peace to this area. He was also successful in keeping the great Mongolian army at bay during their numerous attempt to invade Vietnam. The people revered him so much that he became a demigod to them. So much reverence was given to general Tang that he was dubbed King of the Sea while he was still alive!

General Tang died in 1313 at the age of 61. The people in the region mourned his passing and built a shrine in his honor. Today, the words Great Eastern Sea King are still imprinted on the placard at the entrance of the temple. Den Cua Ong was built in the Le dynasty (17th century), but was later remodeled in the Nguyen dynasty (17th - 19th century). Every year during Tet, Vietnamese new year, the people in this area have a festival to celebrate and honor General Tang.

Source: www.vietscape.com

Other attractions in Ha Long Bay

Dong Hang Hanh tunnels through mount Quang Hanh 9 km from the township of Cam Pha. The tunnel and cave is approximately 2 km in length.

To visit this cave the visitors must take a small row boat to access the entrance. On the way the rower must maneuver through a variety of rock formation often so narrow that only one boat can fit through at a time.

The air in the tunnel is several degrees cooler than the air outside. As one proceed deeper into the cave, the surroundings become more mystifying as the rocky walls take different shapes, sizes, and hues. Hang Hanh contains many formations. One formation takes the form of a drum (for water) called Ang gao. One looks like a temple with millions of diamond-like crystals as its outer layer. There are several columns of rocks that look like remnants of buildings from some ancient world. These monoliths are several stories high. Theres also a formation of a natural amphitheater in the middle of the water with smaller formations in place as the audience.

Ao Tien or Pond of the Nymphs, was named by the locals because it was rumored this is where the nymphs gathered to take a bath. The limestone walls surrounds this part of the ocean creating a natural pond in the middle of the bay. Ao Tien is located in an island with a lagoon-like setting, surrounded by limestone walls, accessible only by small row boats and only in low tides. During high tide, the water rise to cover the opening and keep the water here clean. The water in Ao Tien is only chest deep and very warm. During low tide visitors can disembark from the bigger boat and use a row boat to enter Ao Tien. Some visitors even swim through the opening without using a boat. Many tourists use Ao Tien as a place to sunbathe and wade.

Like Ao tien, Hang Luon is in the middle of rock formations the center of which is an open area where the water is clear and calm. There is also a sandy beach. However, Hang luon's opening is substantially bigger than the opening of Ao Tien. Depending on the tide, a large boat can go through
the tunnel.




Source: www.vietscape.com

Cave of Awe (Hang Sung Sot)


Sung Sot cave is on the same island with Trinh Nu cave. The path to Sung Sot is quite steep and is lined
with shady trees. The cave has 2 chambers. The outer chamber is square and is often referred to as the
waiting room. The cave's ceiling is approximately 30 m high. The walls are almost perfectly smooth as if it
was built by man. The walls generate a variety of colors that blend with the setting of the area.

The path to the inner chamber is approximately 3m wide. The inner chamber is known as the serene castle.
The formations in the chamber take the form of sentries conversing with one another, animals in varying
poses etc. In the middle of the chamber stands a formation which resembles a general surveying his troops.

There is a side entrance which is approximately 6m in height. The light reflected from the moving water
outside causes the formations inside the chamber to seemingly come alive. According to the locals, this
was the reason the cave was named Sung Sot, from the awe-stricken reaction of the visitors to the cave. 
    
                                                                                                                  Source: www.vietscape.com

Hang Trinh Nu (Virgin Cave)

Hang Trinh Nu or the Virgin is also known as Mid Gate cave. According to local lore, an old couple lived here long ago. The husband made a living fishing around the bay. They were very poor. They had only one daughter. She grew up to be a beautiful young woman, so beautiful that people from all around knew of her. There were many suitors and her reputation reached the local mandarin. The mandarin immediately sent his soldier to her home to capture her. She was forced to marry the old mandarin.

After much cajoling and threats the fair maiden still steadfastly refused. One day, she escaped from the mandarins home, however she was afraid to return home for fear of retaliation. After much thought, the maiden decided to go to Mid Gate cave to commit suicide. Her body turned into the stone statue lying atop a flat surface. Since then, Mid Gate cave became known as Virgin cave.

Virgin cave tunnels through the middle of an island approximately 2 km long. Along the tunnel, there are many chambers. Each is famous for a different reason. All are unique in their beauty. Many visitors to the cave are awed by its beauty and so the name Hang Sung Sot was given to the outer chamber of the Virgin cave. Sung Sot literally means astonishment or awe.



Source: www.vietscape.com

Pelican Cave (Hang Bo Nau)


Unlike Dau Go cave, Bo Nau cave is not as deep and large. Looking out from the cave the visitor can
enjoy the scenic beauty of Ha Long. The clear blue water with rocky formations rising forms a picturesque
setting. Bo Nau is a compound word derived from two words, bo cau meaning pigeon and nau
meaning brown. Bo Nau literally means brown pigeon. For some reason, many foreign translations
refer to this cave as Pelican cave.

According to the fishermen in this region, long ago, when there were still few visitors, Bo Nau cave
was home to thousands of pigeons. Today as more visitors and people begin to inhabit the surrounding
islands, the pigeons have left until only the name Bo Nau remains out of habit of the local fishermen. 

Source: www.vietscape.com

Hang Dau Go (Wooden Stakes Cave)

Hang Dau Go is one of the most beautiful cave at Ha Long. The name, Dau Go or Giau Go, has direct ties to the history of Vietnam. According to the locals, while preparing for the Mongolian attacks in 1288, general Tran Hung Dao, sent a convoy to this area to cut wood from this region. Wooden stakes were then fashioned from the wood and hidden in Dau Go cave. The stakes were embedded in Bach Dang river to form a barrier against the attacking Mongols. According to legend, general Tran Hung Dao dealt a great blow to the Kublai Khan when he tricked the Mongolian army into chasing him deep up Bach Dang's channel. When the tide were down the enemies were stuck in these wooden stakes driven into the river bed. Dau Go was also the site where general Tran Khan Du hid his force while waiting for the Mongols led by Truong Van Ho in 1287.

Dau Go is located on a limestone islet 8 km south of Bai Chay. The islet itself stands 187 m above sea level. Upon arriving visitors must hike the 90 rocky steps that lead to the cave's entrance. There are three chambers with the outer one having the most spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. Some are as tall as 20 m in height. The locals claim that these giant formations resemble human forms and are the keepers or guardians of Dau Go cave. The outer chamber is also the largest with capacity for three to four thousand people. The cave's floor is approximately 6 m lower than the entrance and the distance from floor to ceiling is approximately 25 m.

The middle chamber is accessible through a narrow passage approximately 1.4 m wide. There is a round crystal like structure on the path. When struck by light, this structure emits a kaleidoscope of light that is both breathtaking and unique. The inner chamber is famous for the colorful stalagmites and stalactites.

The inner chamber is much smaller by comparison. It is here that visitors will find stone wells filled with fresh water. According to the locals these wells are filled year round.

Dau Go is probably the most famous of all grottoes in Ha Long. Since its discovery, many Vietnamese dignitaries have visited Dau Go cave. In 1929, King Khai Dinh (Nguyen dynasty) visited Dau Go cave and was awed by its beauty. His praise in writing is carved on a stone stele at the entrance of the cave.

Source: www.vietscape.com

Scorched Beach (Bai Chay)


Upon arriving in Ha Long city, the visitor will be driving along 'Bai Chay' or scorched beach.
The sand on this stretch of beach is dark. And judging by the name the visitors may mistakenly
think that this is due to the dry climate or lack of wind in this area. However, contrary to this
interpretation, the area is quite pleasant during the summer and fall months and the temperature
here is around 70 deg F. According to the locals, Bai Chay got its name long ago, based on
another historical event. Bai Chay was once a forest. In 1287, the Mongols led by the great
Truong Van Ho,(a Vietnamese name for this Mongolian general) attacked Vietnam and was
driven back by general Tran Khanh Du. Many Mongolian ships were set afire and drifted to
shore aided by high wind setting the forest on fire. Since then this stretch of beach became
known as Bai Chay or scorched beach.

From Bai Chay, visitors can hire a boat and go out to the bay. It is here that visitors will be
find some of Southeast Asias most fascinating sites. Visitors to the bay speak highly of its
almost mystical qualities and the surrealistic scenery that defines this bay. The limestone
formations are both bizarre and awesome. Over thousands of years the base of many
of the formation have corroded to a point where
many seem to be balancing on thin air. The
shapes and the positioning of these formations
often resemble people, animals etc.,
hence,most are given a name by the
locals. Some ofthe morefamous are:
Hang Dau Go( Wooden Stakes cave),
Hang Bo Nau (Pelican cave),Hang Trinh Nu
(the Virgin), Hang Sung Sot (Cave of Awe),
Dong Hang Hanh, Dao Tuan Chau (Sentinel
Chau Island), Qua Chuong(the bell), Con Voi
(the elephant) etc.. Now, about one thousand
formations have names.
One can't possibly see all of Ha Long grandeur in one day or even a month since depending
on the time of the year, the weather, or the condition of the bay the visitor may see only one
small aspect of Ha Long's beauty
.
Source: www.vietscape.com

Ha Long - Bay of the Descending Dragon

Ha Long  Bay of the Descending Dragon
The end of the Vietnam war, and the advent of "Doi moi", Vietnam's policy of opening its economy to
foreign trade, means that Westerners and South Vietnamese now have a chance to visit Ha long.
Vinh Ha Long or Bay of the Descending Dragon is often touted by proud Vietnamese as the world's
Eighth wonder. One of the main attractions of Ha long is the bay's calm water and the thousands of
limestone mountains dotting the seascape. The Bay's water is clear during the spring and early summer.
Some of the islands are quite large and there are small alcoves with sandy beaches where swimming is
possible. Ha Long bay lies in the northeastern part of Vietnam and is 165 Km from Hanoi.

Ha Long literally means descending dragon(s) and according to local myth,
the story goes as follows:

Long ago when their forefathers were fighting foreign invaders from the north,
the gods from heaven sent a family of dragons to help defend their land. This
family of dragons descended upon what is now Ha Long bay and began
spitting out jewels and jade. Upon hitting the sea, these jewels turned into the
various islands and islets dotting the seascape and formed a formidable fortress
against the invaders. The locals were able to keep their land safe and formed
what is now the country of Vietnam. The Dragon family fell so much in love
with this area for its calm water and for the reverence of the people of Vietnam that they decided to
remain on earth. Mother dragon lies on what is now Ha Long and where her children lie is Bai Tu Long.
The dragon tails formed the area of Bach Long Vi known for the miles of white sandy beaches of Tra Co peninsula.

This myth is in line with the Vietnamese myth of their origin Con Rong Chau Tien. This myth describes
the union between a king (representing the dragon) and his bride (representing a goddess) giving birth
to 100 children which are the ancestors of the Vietnamese people. The Ha Long myth illustrate the
Vietnamese belief of their origin and the fact that throughout their history, they are aided by their
ancestors, the dragon and the gods, in the defense of their land. 
Source: www.vietscape.com

Ha Long Bay (World Natural Heritage List)

Geographical position

Situated in the north-east region of Viet Nam, Halong Bay is a part of Bac Bo Gulf and comprises the sea area of Halong City, Cam Pha Town and a part of Van Don island district, Quang Ninh Province. It borders Cat Ba Island to the south-west, the mainland to the west with a 120km-long coastline.

Natural Beauty


Halong Bay covers a total area of 1,553km², including 1,969 islands of various sizes, 989 of which have been given names. There are two kinds, limestone and schist, which are concentrated in two main zones: the south-east (belonging to Bai Tu Long Bay) and the south-west (belonging to Halong Bay). The average geological age of the islands is between 250 and 280 million years old.



Halong Bay has been called by the great national poet Nguyen Trai: "a marvel of the earth erected towards the high skies". While exploring the bay, tourists will feel lost in a legendary world of stone islands which shapes change depending on the angle and the light. There are many names given to islands according to their shapes and forms such as Hon Dau Nguoi (Human Head Islet), Hon Rong (Dragon Islet), Hon Canh Buom (Sail Islet), Hon Trong Mai (Cock and Hen Islet)… But the beauty of Halong Bay does not consist only in the forms of its mountains, islands and the colour of its waters, but also in its infinitely rich system of grottoes and caves such as: Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace Grotto), Dau Go (Driftwood Grotto), Sung Sot (Surprise Grotto), Tam Cung (Three Palace Grotto), Trinh Nu (Virgin Grotto)…. Each is a grandiose and refined natural architectural creation.

Geological value


The most remarkable geological events of Halong Bay’s history in the last 1,000 years include the advance of the sea, the raising of the bay area and the strong erosion that has formed coral and pure blue and heavily-salted water. This process of erosion by sea water has deeply engraved the stone, contributing to its fantastic beauty. Present-day Halong Bay is the result of this long process of geological evolution that has been influenced by so many factors. It is because of all these factors that the tourists now visiting Halong Bay are not only treated to one of the true wonders of the world, but also to a precious geological museum that has been naturally preserved in the open air for the last 300 million years.

Value of biological diversity


Results of scientific research show that Halong Bay features ecosystems of a tropical ocean region such as ecosystem of coral reefs with 232 species of coral distributed mainly in the areas of Cong Do and Bo Hung. It is also home to 81 species of gastropoda, 130 species of bivalvia, 55 species of polycheta and 57 species of crab. The ecosystem of salt water-flooded forests chiefly concentrated in the zones of Tuan Chau, Cua Luc and Ba Che has the most diversified collection of species of salt water-flooded plant in North Vietnam. Also living in this ecosystem are a great many species of animals: migrating birds (200 species), polycheta (169 species), seaweed (91 species), reptile (10 species). Halong Bay also has ecosystem of tropical rain forests with various rare and precious creatures: deer, weasels, squirrels and in particular, white-tabby and red-haired monkeys. In addition, there is a system of small caves along the sea, which are the living and development places for many animals and plants: seaweed, water plant, algae, fish and shrimp. Deeper into the water, there are also many species of shrimp, fish, abalone and other sea-specialities.

Historical and cultural value


Halong is a place closely linked to Vietnam’s history with such famous geographical names as: Van Don (site of an ancient commercial port); Poem Mountain (with engravings of many poems by emperors and other famous people of the past); and Bach Dang River (the location of two fierce naval battles fought against foreign aggressors). This is not all, Halong has been proven by scientists to be one of the first cradles of human existence in the area, with such archaeological sites as Dong Mang, Xich Tho, Soi Nhu and Thoi Gieng…

On December 17, 1994, Halong Bay was recognised as world natural heritage for its natural beauty at the 18th meeting of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO in Thailand. On December 12, 2000, Halong Bay was recognised as world natural heritage for the second time based on its geological value at the 24th meeting of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO in Cairns, Australia. The recognised site covers an area of 434km², comprises 775 islands and forms a triangle: with Dau Go Island (Driftwood Grotto) to the west; Ba Ham Lake (Three Shelter Lake) to the south and Cong Tay Island to the east.

Quang Ninh



Area: 208.7 sq. km
Population: 185,228 habitants (year 2001)
Administrative division:

-Wards: Ha Khanh, Ha Lam, Ha Trung, Ha Phong, Ha Tu, Hong Hai, Cao Thang, Cao Xanh, Yet Kieu, Tran Hung Dao, Bach Dang, Hon Gai, Bai Chay, Hong Ha, Ha Khau, Gieng Day, Hung Thang, Tuan Chau
- Communes: Viet Hung, Dai Yen.
Ethnic groups: Mainly the Viet (or Kinh)
 
Halong City, formerly the Hon Gai Town, is the cultural, economic and political centre of Quang Ninh Province. 
It borders Cam Pha to the east, the Yen Hung District to the west, the Hoanh Bo District to the north and 
Halong Bay to the south with the coastline of 20km.

 
                                     Halong City                                     Halong Bay
The city is divided into two parts: East Halong and West Halong. The eastern part is an 

industrial zone where most of the province's official buildings are also concentrated. The western part, 
also called Bai Chay, is the animated tourism zone.

Halong's population are most having emigrated from other places to settle here. Halong Bay is

famous internationally, and is recognized as a World Heritage by UNESCO for its thousands 
of natural islands. 
Also in the city, there are temples, pagodas and historical relics.In addition to the most active 
branch of tourism, there are other economic activities such as: trade, seaport, coal, marine 
products and the production of construction materials 

                                                                                                                       www.vietnamtourism.com

Rowing boat adventure kayaking in Ha Long - Quang Ninh

Go kayaking (rowing boats) in Ha Long started by visitors to the ship away from the sea and deserted. Then they will be equipped with life jackets and rubber boats casting 90 cm wide, 3 m long by 2 people.

When the waves turn the vessel off the coast, visitors will wear life jackets, boat and sat test study uses two oars, and how to handle the upturned boat, lost at sea and in emergency situations. Guests also guided reading maps for sea routes will have to overcome ...

When you are not confused with the new movement, feeling free, liberal will invade your soul. The boat fit entirely between the sea, vast sky; your hands in the lane throughout the country, sponges and integrity to chronic sun to drop the boat down the waves underground, wine just expectations on the waves that laugh in the islands of intense rough stone, near clogs ... Now you really see the attached end of man with nature.

Sense to explore particularly interesting when you ship to an underground cave that is there. Rowing as dark as the om, hundreds of delicious as drop-down horizontal surface, there is pressure on you down last fall through. Not only that, you must select the time to paddle fast and be on hand to go out before insertion.

Once out of the cave, you find a sandy beach for cooking up a tent camp and sleep overnight on the island of wild (but very safe for rescue professionals always follow you). The only thing you think you find a companion package of mind and go from Hanoi in 2 days 1 night is 121 USD.


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